U.S. patent number 10,625,681 [Application Number 15/972,482] was granted by the patent office on 2020-04-21 for downstop for glovebox.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to David L. Cousino, Francis Raymond Gillis, Frank Qiukui Liu.
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United States Patent |
10,625,681 |
Liu , et al. |
April 21, 2020 |
Downstop for glovebox
Abstract
A vehicle glovebox includes a bin rotationally operable within a
housing. A downstop is defined within the housing. The downstop is
in a blocking position and engages the bin to define a fully open
position of the bin. The downstop is operable to a release position
that defines rotation of the bin beyond the fully open
position.
Inventors: |
Liu; Frank Qiukui (Canton,
MI), Cousino; David L. (Carleton, MI), Gillis; Francis
Raymond (Framington Hills, MI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
(Dearborn, MI)
|
Family
ID: |
68276644 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/972,482 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20190337459 A1 |
Nov 7, 2019 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R
7/06 (20130101); E05F 5/06 (20130101); E05Y
2900/538 (20130101); E05Y 2201/224 (20130101); E05Y
2800/404 (20130101); E05Y 2800/676 (20130101); E05Y
2600/41 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60R
7/00 (20060101); B60R 7/06 (20060101); E05F
5/06 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Patel; Kiran B
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Coppiellie; David Price Heneveld
LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vehicle glovebox, comprising: a bin rotationally operable
within a housing; and a downstop defined within the housing,
wherein the downstop in a blocking position engages the bin to
define a fully open position of the bin, wherein the downstop is
operable to a release position that defines rotation of the bin
beyond the fully open position, wherein the housing comprises a
frame, wherein the downstop is attached to the frame, wherein the
downstop comprises a first flange and a second flange, and wherein
the second flange is transverse to the first flange.
2. The vehicle glovebox of claim 1, wherein a reinforced position
of the downstop is defined by an outward deflection of the first
flange of the downstop of a first distance from the blocking
position and a downward deflection of the second flange of the
downstop of a second distance from the blocking position.
3. The vehicle glovebox of claim 2, wherein the release position of
the downstop is defined by an inward deflection of the downstop of
a third distance from the blocking position.
4. The vehicle glovebox of claim 2, wherein the reinforcing
position of the bin is defined by a downward force applied to the
bin when the bin is in the fully open position.
5. The vehicle glovebox of claim 4, wherein the frame includes a
brace, the second flange includes an interlock feature, and the
brace supports the interlock feature in the reinforced position and
limits the outward deflection of the first flange to the first
distance.
6. The vehicle glovebox of claim 5, wherein the first flange
engages a back wall of the bin in the blocking position when the
bin is in the fully open position and wherein, when the bin is in
the reinforcing position, the first flange engages the bin and the
interlock feature of the second flange engages the brace.
7. The vehicle glovebox of claim 5, wherein a back wall of the bin
engages a rear surface of the first flange in the fully open
position and the reinforcing position and wherein a bottom surface
of the interlock feature engages the brace in the reinforcing
position.
8. The vehicle glovebox of claim 4, wherein the downstop is moved
to the reinforcing position upon application of a first force upon
the downstop and in a direction substantially normal to and toward
a rear surface of the first flange, wherein the first force has a
first magnitude, and wherein the downstop is moved to the release
position upon application of a second force upon a front surface of
the first flange and in a direction generally opposed to the first
force and toward an interior of the frame, wherein the second force
has a second magnitude, and wherein the first magnitude is greater
than the second magnitude.
9. The vehicle glovebox of claim 4, wherein the first flange is a
substantially rigid member that rotates about a first living hinge
and wherein the second flange is a substantially rigid member that
rotates around a second living hinge.
10. The vehicle glovebox of claim 9, wherein the second living
hinge is disposed proximate a ceiling of the frame.
11. The vehicle glovebox of claim 4, wherein a ridge extends from
the first flange to the second flange.
12. The vehicle glovebox of claim 4, wherein, when the downstop is
in the release position, the first flange is at least partially
disposed within the interior of the frame and the bin is adapted to
bypass the frame to define a removal position of the bin, wherein
the bin is removable from the frame in the removal position.
13. A vehicle, comprising: a housing disposed within a dashboard; a
bin rotationally operable within the housing; and a downstop
integral to the housing and protruding into the bin, wherein the
downstop is operable between a blocking position that engages the
bin in a fully open position, a release position wherein the bin is
selectively removable from the housing, and a reinforced position
wherein a first flange of the downstop operably engages the bin and
a second flange of the downstop operably engages a brace of the
housing for limiting over rotation of the bin, wherein the housing
comprises a frame, and wherein the downstop is integral to the
frame, and wherein the reinforced position of the downstop is
defined by an outward deflection of the first flange of a first
distance from the blocking position and a downward deflection of
the second flange of a second distance from the blocking position,
wherein the release position of the downstop is defined by an
inward deflection of the first flange of a third distance from the
blocking position, and wherein the third distance from the blocking
position is greater than the first distance from the blocking
position.
14. A glovebox, comprising: a housing; a bin having an interior;
and a downstop protruding from the housing into the interior,
wherein the bin is rotationally coupled to the housing, and wherein
the downstop comprises a first flange and a second flange, wherein
the first flange is selectively and alternatively positionable in
release, blocking, and reinforced positions relative to the bin,
and wherein the second flange is selectively and alternatively
positionable in release, blocking, and reinforced positions
relative to a brace of the housing, wherein the housing comprises a
frame including the downstop and the brace, and wherein the frame,
the downstop, and the brace are an integrally molded part.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure generally relates to storage containers
disposed within the passenger cabin of a vehicle and more
specifically, a glovebox having a downstop for performing rotation
limiting and release functions.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Automobiles typically include interior storage compartments, such
as a glovebox mounted within a dashboard of a vehicle. These
compartments are typically rotationally operable from within the
dashboard, so that the user can access and close the compartment as
needed.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle
glovebox includes a bin rotationally operable within a housing. A
downstop is defined within the housing. The downstop is in a
blocking position and engages the bin to define a fully open
position of the bin. The downstop is operable to a release position
that defines rotation of the bin beyond the fully open
position.
Embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure can include any
one or a combination of the following features: the housing
comprises a frame and wherein the downstop is attached to the
frame; the downstop comprises a first flange and a second flange
and wherein the second flange is transverse to the first flange; a
reinforced position of the downstop is defined by an outward
deflection of the first flange of the downstop of a first distance
from the blocking position and a downward deflection of the second
flange of the downstop of a second distance from the blocking
position; the release position of the downstop is defined by an
inward deflection of the downstop of a third distance from the
blocking position; the reinforcing position of the bin is defined
by a downward force applied to the bin when the bin is in the fully
open position; the frame includes a brace, the second flange
includes an interlock feature, and the brace supports the interlock
feature in the reinforced position and limits the outward
deflection of the first flange to the first distance; the first
flange engages a back wall of the bin in the blocking position when
the bin is in the fully open position and wherein when the bin is
in the reinforcing position the first flange engages the bin and
the interlock feature of the second flange engages the brace; a
back wall of the bin engages a rear surface of the first flange in
the fully open position and the reinforcing position and wherein a
bottom surface of the interlock feature engages the brace in the
reinforcing position; the downstop is moved to the reinforcing
position upon application of a first force upon the downstop and in
a direction substantially normal to and toward a rear surface of
the first flange, the first force having a first magnitude, and
wherein the downstop is moved to the release position upon
application of a second force upon a front surface of the first
flange and in a direction generally opposed to the first force and
toward an interior of the frame, wherein the second force has a
second magnitude, wherein the first magnitude is greater than the
second magnitude; the first flange is a substantially rigid member
that rotates about a first living hinge and wherein the second
flange is a substantially rigid member that rotates around a second
living hinge; the second living hinge is disposed proximate a
ceiling of the frame; a ridge extends from the first flange to the
second flange; and/or when the downstop is in the release position,
the first flange is at least partially disposed within the interior
of the frame and the bin is adapted to bypass the frame to define a
removal position of the bin, wherein the bin is removable from the
frame in the removal position.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle
includes a housing disposed within a dashboard. A bin is
rotationally operable within the housing. A downstop is integral to
the housing and protrudes into the bin. The downstop is operable
between a blocking position that engages the bin in a fully open
position, a release position wherein the bin is selectively
removable from the housing, and a reinforced position wherein a
first flange of the downstop operably engages the bin and a second
flange of the downstop operably engages a brace of the housing for
limiting over rotation of the bin.
Embodiments of the second aspect of the disclosure can include any
one or a combination of the following features: the housing
comprises a frame and wherein the downstop is integral to the
frame; and/or the reinforced position of the downstop is defined by
an outward deflection of the first flange of a first distance from
the blocking position and a downward deflection of the second
flange of a second distance from the blocking position, wherein the
release position of the downstop is defined by an inward deflection
of the first flange of a third distance from the blocking position,
and wherein the third distance from the blocking position is
greater than the first distance from the blocking position.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a
glovebox includes a housing. A bin includes an interior. A downstop
protrudes from the housing into the interior. The bin is
rotationally coupled to the housing. The downstop includes a first
flange and a second flange. The first flange is selectively and
alternatively positionable in release, blocking, and reinforced
positions relative to the bin. The second flange is selectively and
alternatively positionable in a release, blocking, and reinforced
position relative to a brace of the housing.
Embodiments of the third aspect of the disclosure can include any
one or a combination of the following features: the housing
comprises a frame including the downstop and the brace; and/or the
frame, the downstop, and the brace are an integrally molded
part.
These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present
disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in
the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and
appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dashboard disposed within a
passenger compartment of a vehicle and showing the glovebox in a
closed position;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a glovebox shown in a
fully open position;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a glovebox assembly of a
vehicle taken along line III-III in FIG. 2 and showing the glovebox
in a fully open position;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a frame of a glovebox with
downstops integral to the frame;
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a frame of a glovebox and a
dashboard with the downstops integral to the dashboard;
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective cutaway view of a portion of the frame
with a downstop;
FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the ceiling of
the frame with a downstop;
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a portion of the ceiling of
the frame with a downstop;
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a portion of the glovebox assembly of
FIG. 3 showing the downstop in a blocking position;
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a portion of the glovebox assembly of
FIG. 3 showing the downstop in a reinforced position;
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a portion of the glovebox assembly
of FIG. 3 showing the downstop in a release position;
FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the downstop;
FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of the downstop; and
FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the downstop.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower,"
"right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal,"
"interior," "exterior," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the
invention as oriented in FIGS. 1-13. However, it is to be
understood that the invention may assume various alternative
orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It
is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawing, and described in the following
specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive
concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions
and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments
disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the
claims expressly state otherwise.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a glovebox assembly 10 is typically disposed
within a dashboard 14 set within a front area 18 of the passenger
compartment 22 of a vehicle 26. According to various aspects, the
glovebox assembly 10 can include a bin 30 that is rotationally
operable within a frame 34. The bin 30 may be a container having an
interior that can be used for storing various items within the
dashboard 14 of the vehicle 26. One or more downstops (first
downstop 40 and second downstop 44) may extend into the bin 30. The
first and second downstops 40, 44 may extend from a housing.
According to one aspect, the housing may be a portion of the
dashboard 14 near the frame 34. According to another aspect, the
housing may be integral with the frame 34. An interlock system 48
is typically disposed within a glovebox assembly 10 wherein the
interlock system 48 supports the operability of the glovebox
assembly 10. The bin 30 is shown in the closed position 60 in FIG.
1. The bin 30 is shown in the fully open position 64 and the
reinforcing position 68 in FIG. 2. When an excessive load is
applied to a front edge of the forward wall 80 of the bin 30, then
the forward wall 80 of the bin 30 moves beyond the fully open
position 64 to the reinforcing position 68. The excessive load is
shown by arrow 84, which represents a downward force. The exact
location of the reinforcing position 68 of the bin 30 can be
dependent on the magnitude of the downward force shown by arrow
84.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, when the bin 30 is in the fully open
position 64, passengers may inadvertently exert an excessive load
(force arrow 84) on a forward wall 80 or other portion of the glove
box bin 30. The excessive load (force arrow 84) moves the forward
wall 80 of the bin 30 to the reinforcing position 68 which is
beyond the fully open position 64. The excessive load is sometimes
referred to as a customer abuse load. As a first example of an
exertion of an excessive load on a forward wall 80 of the glove box
bin 30, a passenger might inadvertently lean on the forward wall 80
of the bin 30 in the fully open position 64 for support while
exiting the vehicle 26 and thereby apply an excessive load. As a
second example, a child might unwittingly or intentionally rest his
or her arms and head on the forward wall 80 of the glove box bin 30
in the fully open position 64 and thereby apply an excessive load.
As a third example, a person may place a suitcase or other cargo
item onto the forward wall 80 of the glove box bin 30 in the fully
open position 64 while loading the vehicle 26. The suitcase or
cargo item might exert an excessive load on the first and second
downstops 40, 44.
In the three examples, the excessive load may be of such a
magnitude that the first and second downstops 40, 44 break and a
failure mode of the glovebox in a fully open position 64 results
because the first and second downstops 40, 44 are no longer able to
retain the bin 30 in an unsupported fully open position 64. In
various aspects, a failure mode that makes the bin 30 unusable in
an unsupported fully open position 64 may result if one of the
first and second downstops 40, 44 breaks. The term unsupported
fully open position 64 refers to the glovebox in the fully open
position 64 with one or both of the first and second downstops 40,
44 broken such that the bin 30 cannot remain in the fully open
position 64 without passenger or other external support. It is
therefore desirable to have a glovebox interlock system 48 that
includes a downstop 40 with first brace 86 and second brace 88
(FIGS. 5-6, 8-12) that strengthens the downstop 40 in the
reinforced position when an excessive load is applied to the
forward wall 80 of the bin 30 in the fully open position 64.
Referring to FIG. 3, the glove box assembly 10 is shown with the
bin 30 in the fully open position 64. The bin 30 includes a forward
wall 80 and a rear wall 90. The bin 30 rotates about a pivot point
92 in the frame 34. The downstop 40 includes a first flange 94 and
a second flange 98. The first flange 94 extends downward from the
recess 140 of the frame 34 (FIGS. 4-5). The second flange 98
extends from a ceiling 148 of the frame 34 and along the ceiling
148 of the frame 34.
Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, and 8-13, the first flange 94 includes a
first segment 102, a second segment 106, and a third segment 110.
The first segment 102 of the first flange 94 extends from the
second flange 98 to a second segment 106 of the first flange 94.
The second segment 106 of the first flange 94 connects the first
segment 102 and the third segment 110. A third segment 110 of the
first flange 94 extends from the second segment 106 and can be
substantially parallel to a first segment 102 of the first flange
94. A top portion 114 of the rear wall 90 of the bin 30 is disposed
against the rear surface 118 of the third segment 110 of the first
flange 98 to hold the bin 30 in the fully open position 64 and the
reinforcing position 68. The second flange 98 of the downstop 40
includes an interlock feature 122. The interlock feature 122 is
positioned above the first and second braces 86, 88. The interlock
feature 122 extends beyond the intersection 126 between the first
flange 94 and the second flange 98 and towards the dashboard 14. In
FIG. 3, the bin 30 is shown in a reinforcing position 68 and a
removal position 130. An overrotated position 134 of the bin 30 is
typically beyond the fully open position 64. The overrotated
position 134 of the bin 30 typically includes the removal position
130.
With reference to FIG. 4, a front perspective view of the frame 34
is shown. A first downstop 40 and a second downstop 44 are disposed
in respective first and second recesses 140, 144 in the ceiling 148
of the frame 34. The frame 34 includes an opening 152 for receiving
the bin 30. The bin 30 is pivotably coupled to the frame 34 at
pivot point 92 (FIG. 3). The frame 34 includes a shaft 153 about
which the bin 30 rotates.
With reference to FIG. 4A, an embodiment of the frame 34 is shown
with first and second downstops 40a, 40b extending from the
dashboard 14 and into and through the first and second recesses
140, 144 in the ceiling 148 of the frame 34.
With reference to FIG. 5, a cutaway rear view of the a downstop 40
is shown. The downstop 40 includes the first flange 94 and the
second flange 98. The downstop 40 includes a base 154. With
reference to FIGS. 11-13, the thickness t.sub.2 at the base 154 may
be adjusted to optimize the mechanical properties of the downstop
40. The second flange 98 extends from the ceiling 148 of the frame
34 in a direction along the ceiling 148 of the frame 34. The second
flange 98 includes an interlock feature 122 that extends beyond the
intersection 126 of the first flange 94 and the second flange 98.
In the depicted cutaway view, the interlock feature 122 is depicted
above a first brace 86. The first flange 94 includes the first
segment 102, the second segment 106, and the third segment 110. In
the depicted aspect, a ridge 156 extends from the bottom 160 of the
interlock feature 122 to the top of the second segment 106 and to
the rearward facing wall 168 of the first segment 102. The ridge
156 strengthens the downstop 40. When the downstop 40 is in a
blocking position 184 and a resultant force 172 from an excessive
load is applied to the rear surface 118 of the third segment 110 of
the first flange 94, then the downstop 40 moves to a reinforced
position 188. In the reinforced position 188, the first flange 94
moves a first distance 176 from the blocking position 184 to the
reinforced position 188, and the second flange 98 moves a second
distance 180 from the blocking position 184 to the reinforced
position 188. More specifically, in the reinforced position 188,
the third segment 110 of the first flange 94 moves a first distance
176 from the blocking position 184 to the reinforced position 188,
and the interlock feature 122 of the second flange 98 moves a
second distance 180 from the blocking position 184 to the
reinforced position 188. The downstop 40 is typically in the
blocking position 184 when the bin 30 is in the fully open position
64.
Referring to FIG. 6, a rear view of the first downstop 40
protruding from the first recess 140 in the frame 34 is shown. The
ridge 156 is disposed in a substantially transverse substantially
centered position below the interlock feature 122. The first brace
86 and the second brace 88 are disposed on opposing first and
second sides 200, 204 of the recess 140 and below the interlock
feature 122.
FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of a ceiling 148 of the frame
34 with the downstop 40. The downstop 40 is disposed in a recess
140 of the ceiling 148. The downstop 40 includes the first segment
102, the second segment 106, and the third segment 110 of the first
flange 94. First and second sidewalls 208, 212 extend between the
second segment 106 and the third segment 110 on opposing sides of
the second segment 106 and the third segment 110. Referring to
FIGS. 3, 4, and 7, the first and second sidewalls 208, 212 include
slanted portions 216 along which the top portion 114 of the rear
wall 90 of the bin 30 slides when the bin 30 is coupled to the
shaft 153 of the frame 34 and rotated into the frame 34.
Referring to FIGS. 1-13, in various aspects, a vehicle glovebox
assembly 10 includes a bin 30 rotationally operable within a frame
34 and a downstop 40 defined within the frame 34. The downstop 40
in a blocking position 184 engages the bin 30 to define a fully
open position 64 of the bin 30, and the downstop 40 is operable to
a release position 230 that defines rotation of the bin 30 beyond
the fully open position 64. A reinforced position 188 of the
downstop 40 is defined by an outward deflection of the first flange
94 of the downstop 40 of a first distance 176 from the blocking
position 184 and a downward deflection of the second flange 98 of
the downstop 40 of a second distance 180 from the blocking position
184. Specifically, to achieve the reinforced position 188 of the
downstop 40, the third segment 110 of the first flange 94 moves a
first distance 176 from the blocking position 184 to the reinforced
position 188, and the interlock feature 122 of the second flange 98
moves a second distance 180 from the blocking position 184 to the
reinforced position 188.
As exemplified in FIGS. 8-10, the release position 230 of the
downstop 40 is defined by an inward deflection of the first flange
94 of a third distance 234 from the blocking position 184, and an
upward deflection of the interlock feature 122 a fourth distance
238 from the blocking position 184. Specifically, to achieve the
release position 230 of the downstop 40, the third segment 110 of
the first flange 94 moves a third distance 234 from the blocking
position 184, and the interlock feature 122 moves a fourth distance
238 from the blocking position 184.
In various aspects, the reinforcing position 68 of the bin 30 is
defined by a downward force 84 applied to a forward facing wall of
the bin 30 when the bin 30 is in the fully open position 64. In
various aspects, the downward force 84 may be identified as an
excessive load or a customer abuse load. In various aspects, the
frame 34 includes a first brace 86 and a second brace 88, the
second flange 98 includes an interlock feature 122, and the first
brace 86 and the second brace 88 support the interlock feature 122
in the reinforced position 188 and limit the outward deflection of
the first flange 94 to the first distance 176. When the bin 30 is
in a fully open position 64, then a rear wall 90 of the bin 30
engages a rear surface 118 of the third segment 110 of the first
flange 94. When the bin 30 is in the reinforcing position 68, then
the rear wall 90 of the bin 30 engages a rear surface 118 of the
third segment 110 of the first flange 94, and a bottom surface 160
of the interlock feature 122 engages the first brace 86 and the
second brace 88.
The downstop 40 is typically moved to the reinforced position 188
upon application of a first force (resultant force 172, FIGS. 5, 8)
having a first magnitude upon the downstop 40 and in a direction
substantially normal to and toward a rear surface 118 of the third
segment 110 of first flange 94. The downstop 40 is typically moved
to the release position 230 after application of a second force 260
(FIGS. 7, 10) having a second magnitude upon a front surface
(slanted portions 216 of first and second sidewalls 208, 212 in
FIGS. 7 and 10) of the first flange 94 and in a direction generally
opposed to the first force 172 and toward an interior 264 of the
frame 34. In various aspects, the first magnitude of the first
force 172 is greater than the second magnitude of the second force
260.
With reference to FIGS. 8-10, the downstop 40 is shown in a
blocking position 184 (FIG. 8), a reinforced position 188 (FIG. 9),
and a release position 230 (FIG. 10). The first flange 94 is
typically a substantially rigid member that rotates about a first
living hinge 270. The second flange 98 is typically a substantially
rigid member that rotates about a second living hinge 274. The
second living hinge 274 is typically disposed proximate a ceiling
148 of the frame 34. In various aspects, the second living hinge
274 may be located at the base 154.
The first flange 94 typically includes a first segment 102, a
second segment 106, and a third segment 110. The first segment 102
of the first flange 94 is substantially transverse to the second
flange 98. First sidewall 208 typically extends between the second
segment 106 of the first flange 94 and the third segment 110 of the
first flange 94.
With reference to FIG. 10, when the downstop 40 is in the release
position 230, the first flange 94 is at least partially disposed
within the interior of the frame 34, and the bin 30 is adapted to
bypass the frame 34 to define a removal position 130 of the bin 30.
The bin 30 is removable from the frame 34 in the removal position
130. The first flange 94 moves a third distance 234 from the
blocking position 184 to the release position 230. The second
flange 98 moves a fourth distance 238 from the blocking position
184 to the release position 230.
Referring to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 5-10, in various aspects, the housing
(frame 34) may be disposed within a dashboard 14. A bin 30 is
rotationally operable within the housing (frame 34). First and
second downstops 40a, 44a are integral to the dashboard 14 and
protrude into the bin 30 through first and second recesses 140, 144
in the frame 34. First and second downstops 40a, 44a are operable
between a blocking position 184 that engages the bin 30 in a fully
open position 64 and a reinforced position 188 wherein a first
flange 94 of the downstop 40 operably engages the bin 30 and a
second flange 98 of the downstop 40 operably engages first and
second braces 86, 88 of the housing (frame 34) for limiting over
rotation of the bin 30.
Referring to FIGS. 5-10, the first flange 94 may be selectively and
alternatively positionable in release 230, blocking 184, and
reinforced 188 positions relative to the bin 30, and the second
flange 98 is selectively positionable in release 230, blocking 184,
and reinforced 188 positions relative to the first and second
braces 86, 88.
Referring to FIGS. 11-13, the downstop 40 may be optimized by
varying design aspects of the downstop 40. The design aspects
include the down stop length L, width w, thickness ti at the
interlock feature 122, thickness t.sub.2 at the base 154, and
overlap distance d.sub.1 of the interlock feature 122 and the brace
86. The downstop 40 length L, width w, and thickness t.sub.2 at the
base 154 of the downstop 40 may be optimized to adjust the force
(for example, the force depicted by arrow 260, FIGS. 7 and 10)
exerted on the downstop 40 in the release position 230. The
customer abuse load (for example, the force depicted by arrow 84,
FIGS. 2-3) that the downstop 40 can absorb without breaking or
entering into a failure mode can be fine-tuned by optimizing the
downstop 40 thickness t.sub.1 and the overlap distance d.sub.1.
In various aspects, the frame 34, the first downstop 40, the second
downstop 44, the first brace 86, and the second brace 88 form an
integral molded part.
While the first and second downstops 40, 44 are shown, the
interlock system 48 may include only the first downstop 40 or one
or more downstops in addition to the first and second downstops 40,
44.
According to various aspects, it is contemplated that the bin 30,
the frame 34, and the dashboard 14 can be made of various materials
that can include, but are not limited to, plastic, various
polymers, composite materials, combinations therefor, and other
similar materials.
The interlock system disclosed herein may be used within various
storage compartments of a vehicle 26. Such storage compartments may
include, but are not limited to, glove box assemblies, console
compartments, ashtrays, cupholders, rear storage compartments, and
various other storage compartments within the vehicle 20.
It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be
made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
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